Churches: Theft

Anne McIntosh: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners what estimate the Church Commissioners have made of the impact the level of thefts from churches has had on the average cost of insurance premiums for churches over the last three years.

Stuart Bell: The Commissioners do not hold figures for church insurance premiums. We understand that the rates charged by Ecclesiastical, the leading insurer of Anglican churches, have until now been unaffected. The situation has recently become so serious, with the very substantial increase in metal thefts, that it is inevitable that premiums will be affected in the future.

Electoral Commission: Grants

Francis Maude: To ask the hon. Member for Gosport, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission with reference to Electoral Commission press release dated 12 February, on grants allocated to community-based organisations, what steps the Commission is taking to ensure that such funding is awarded to politically impartial organisations.

Peter Viggers: The Electoral Commission informs me that all grant funded organisations must comply with the terms and conditions of the scheme, which state that projects must be run and delivered in an impartial and unbiased manner and that no part of the grant shall be used to promote party or other political purposes.
	All grants are monitored through quarterly reports and annual visits by Commission officials.

Liberal Democrats: Finance

Francis Maude: To ask the hon. Member for Gosport, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission what progress has been made on the Electoral Commission's investigation into the permissibility of the donations by Mr. Michael Brown to the Liberal Democrat Party.

Peter Viggers: The Electoral Commission informs me that the position remains as stated in the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for North-East Hertfordshire (Mr. Heald) on 16 May 2007,  Official Report, column 748W.

Television

Francis Maude: To ask the hon. Member for Gosport, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission how many plasma television screens have been purchased by the Commission, and at what cost, in the last 24 months.

Peter Viggers: The Electoral Commission informs me that nine plasma television screens were purchased in the last 24 months at a total cost of £11,215.52. Six screens were purchased when the Commission's London office was refurbished and three when the Commission opened new offices in Exeter, York and Coventry.

Brofiscin Quarry: Hazardous Substances

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent research he has  (a) commissioned and  (b) evaluated on the effects of (i) Agent Orange derivatives, (ii) PCBs and (iii) dioxins on (A) current and (B) future residents in areas around Brofiscin quarry; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Murphy: It is the responsibility of the Rhondda Cynon Taf County borough council to investigate and respond to public health related matters such as exposure of local residents to any airborne vapours, gases or dusts.
	All investigations to date have indicated that there is no identifiable harm or immediate danger to human health from the quarry. The local authority has obtained funding from the Welsh Assembly Government for a study to investigate the presence or absence of vapours from the quarry site which will evaluate any potential risk to human health. The investigation is scheduled to start in March and last 12 months.

Departmental Written Questions

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many and what proportion of parliamentary questions for answer on a named day to his Department received a  (a) holding and  (b) substantive answer on the named day in each year since 2001.

David Cairns: The vast majority of parliamentary questions tabled to the Scotland Office are for 'ordinary' written reply. However, of those tabled as named day, approximately 85 per cent. have received a substantive answer on the named day since 2001.

Crime: Drugs

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much the Police Service of Northern Ireland spent on combating illicit drugs in each of the last two years.

Paul Goggins: Information in the form requested is not readily available and to attempt to provide it would incur disproportionate cost. Police enforcement regarding drug-related crime spans all business areas of the organisation. It is not only the drugs squad within crime operations that combat 'illicit drugs'. TSGs, organised crime, districts, special operations, roads policing etc., all have their part to play and a breakdown of the costing within each of these areas for this particular aspect of the roles they provide is not readily available.

Departmental Private Finance Initiative

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the  (a) value and  (b) start date was of each private finance initiative project approved by his Department in each of the last three financial years.

Shaun Woodward: The capital value and start date for every signed PFI project is recorded centrally on the Treasury's website at:
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/documents/public_private_partnerships/ppp_pfi_stats_cfm

Departmental Travel

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department and its agencies spent on first class travel in the last 12 months for which figures are available, broken down by staff grade.

Shaun Woodward: In the last 12 months there were a total of 15 first class journeys by air. The breakdown by grade is as follows:
	
		
			  Grade  Number of flights 
			 SCS 3 
			 A 3 
			 Minister 9 
		
	
	The cost of each of these trips includes the cost of domestic and internal flights (in either the country of origin or arrival) which was at a class other than first class. It is not possible to disaggregate the cost to give a figure for the element of the journey which was first class travel.
	In the same period there were 333 first class rail journeys, at a cost of £8,866.00, as follows:
	
		
			  Grade  Number of rail journeys 
			 SCS 31 
			 A 41 
			 Minister 87 
			 B1 21 
			 B2 101 
			 C 13 
			 Dl 1 
			 D2 2 
			 Grade not specified 36 
		
	
	The information on rail travel is based on our centralised travel booking records only and excludes journeys booked directly by officials and recouped as part of their expenses claim. These journeys are few in number and could be identified only at disproportionate cost.
	All flight and rail journeys are shown as single journeys.

Drinking Water

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department spent on bottled water in the latest year for which figures are available.

Shaun Woodward: During the financial year 2006-07, the Northern Ireland Office (excluding its Agencies) spent £33,665 on the purchase of bottled water. This figure includes the supply of bottles of water, used in water cooler machines.

Fairtrade Initiative

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps to promote Fair Trade Fortnight 2008 among staff within his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: The Government are committed to improving market access to producers in developing countries through increased participation in fair and sustainable supply chains. Each Government Department is responsible for making its own decisions on such products, against the background of the Government's value for money policy, the EC procurement rules and the Department's objectives.
	I have ensured that staff with responsibility for purchasing have been made aware of Fairtrade Fortnight and information has been put on our departmental intranet to advise all staff. My Department does use a range of Fairtrade produce.

Telephone Tapping

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to permit the use of wiretap evidence in Northern Ireland courts.

Shaun Woodward: My objective is to include Northern Ireland in the implementation to the Chilcot recommendations wherever possible. To that end, my Department will be playing a full role in the further work the Prime Minister has asked to be done.

Africa: Overseas Aid

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what UK bilateral aid programmes are underway in  (a) Nigeria,  (b) Kenya,  (c) Botswana,  (d) Senegal,  (e) Angola, and  (f) Niger; and what the duration and cost is of each.

Gillian Merron: The following tables show all the UK bilateral aid programmes with a value of £500,000 or more currently under way in Nigeria, Kenya, Angola and Niger. The UK has no bilateral aid programmes with Botswana and Senegal.
	
		
			  Nigeria 
			Commitments 
			   Programme  £  Date 
			 HIV/AIDS Promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health for HIV/AIDS Reduction (PSRHHR) 52.8 million January 2002-December 2008 
			  BBC World Service Trust (BBC WST) 5.6 million February 2005-March 2008 
			  Strengthening Nigeria's Response to HIV/AIDS (SNR) 25 million August 2004-July 2009 
			  Institutional Support to the National Response to HIV and AIDS 600,000 November 2006-October 2008 
			 
			 Health Partnership for Transforming Health Systems (PATHS) 56 million June 2002-June 2008 
			  Health Commodities and Equipment Procurement (HCP) 30 million March 2005-Febrary 2009 
			  Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON) 3.5 million February 2005-January 2009 
			  Save the Children Fund (UK) Nigeria 3.6 million June 2006-May 2010 
			  Revival of Routine Immunisation in Northern Nigeria (RI) 20 million October 2006-September 2011 
			 
			 Education Girls Education Project (GEP) 26 million January 2005-December 2007—extension pending 
			  Capacity for Universal Basic Education (CUBE) 18 million August 2003-August 2008 
			 
			 Water and Sanitation UNICEF Water and Sanitation Programme 15 million November 2002-November 2008 
			 
			 Support for Macroeconomic Reform Debt Management (DMO) 4.3 million April 2003-August 2008 
			  Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI)—Phase 1.1 million September 2007-August 2008 
			  Privatisation Programme (BPE) 7.4 million August 2004-March 2009 
			  Policy and Knowledge (PAK) Facility 7.4 million September 2003-April 2009 
			 
			 Support for Microeconomic Reform and Agriculture Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFINA) 8.2 million October 2006-December 2011 
			  Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (NIAF) 13.5 million November 2007-December 2011 
			  Investment Climate Programme (ICP) 6.4 million November 2006-Dec 2010 
			  Promoting Opportunities in product and service markets (PrOpCom) 17.5 million April 2006-December 2010 
			 
			 Support to improve service delivery State and Local Government Programme 32.2 million March 2000-June 2008 
			  Public Service Reform (PSR) 19.2 million April 2005-September 2007 
			  Service Delivery Initiative (SERVICOM) 7.5 million October 2004-December 2008 
			 
			 Support to improved political governance and justice reform Strengthening the National Assembly (SNAP) 2.65 million November 2004-November 2008 
			  Security, Justice and Growth Programme (SJG) 30 million March 2002-August 2009 
			  Coalitions for Change Programme (C4C) 7.5 million September 2006-September 2008 
			  Supporting Transparency and Accountability in the Niger Delta (STAND) 2.65 million May 2008 
			 
			 Support for Donor Harmonisation Country Partnership Facility 2.6 million April 2006-December 2010 
		
	
	
		
			  Kenya 
			Commitments 
			   Programme  £ million  Date 
			 Health Malaria control in Kenya 16.96 1999-2008 
			  Social marketing of ITNs 58.94 2001-09 
			  Essential Health Services 7.5 2005-09 
			  HIV/AIDS (HAPAC) 40 1999-2008 
			  Social Marketing of Condoms 11.36 2003-09 
			  HIV/AIDS (new) 40 2008-13 
			  Health Sector Reform (new) 100 2008-13 
			 
			 Education Support to Kenya Education (Financial Aid) 50 2005-10 
			  Support to Kenya Education (Technical Assistance) 5 2005-10 
			 
			 Social Protection Social Protection 122.6 2007-17 
			 
			 Governance Public Finance Management 0.7 Up to 2009 
			  Public Sector Reform 3.6 2006-09 
			  Public Sector Reform National School of Government (Financial Aid) 0.3 — 
			  National Statistical Systems (Financial Aid) 4 Up to 2010 
			  National Statistical Systems (Technical Assistance) 2.5 Up to 2010 
			  Political Empowerment Programme 7.635 1997-2008 
			  Parliamentary Strengthening 0.9 2007-09 
			 
			 Growth Support to Kenya Land Reform 4.08 Ends 2009 
			  Financial and Legal Sector (Financial Assistance) 5.762 Ends 2009 
			  Financial and Legal Sector (Technical Assistance) 0.238 Ends 2009 
			  Financial Sector Deepening 11.37 Ends 2010 
			  Business Services and Marketing 4.211 Ends 2008 
			  Trade and Poverty Programme 0.277 — 
			  Kenya Growth Framework 0.610 — 
			  Avian Flu 1.050 — 
			 
			 Humanitarian Various (food crisis, flood, medical) 40.637 From 2004 
		
	
	
		
			  Angola 
			Commitments 
			   Programme  £  Date 
			 Governance National Democratic Institute: Enhancing the Capacity of Civil Society and the Media to Engage in the Electoral Process 995,000 1 January 2008-31 December 2009 
			  World Bank: Strengthening Public Sector Management Capacity 500,000 1 September 2007-1 December 2009 
			  Luanda Urban Poverty Programme: Building Influence, Strengthening Governance—(basic services to slum dwellers) 1,776,785 1 October 2007-3 September 2010 
			 
			 Health and Education UNICEF: Support to the Country Programme Action Plan for Angola—Focus on support to improve health and education systems 4,625,000 1 April 2006-31 December 2008 
		
	
	
		
			  Niger 
			Commitments 
			   Programme  £  Date 
			 Education Support to Girls Basic Education Through A Delegated Cooperation Arrangement with France 7,105,000 1 November 2006-1 April 2010 
			 
			 Health Save the children Niger nutrition and health response 2007-08 750,000 1 May 2007-1 October 2008 
			  Niger Action Centre Le Faim Malnutrition Prevention in Maradi 880,779 1 May 2007-1 October 2008 
			 
			 Humanitarian Niger Disaster Risk Reduction 2,908,550 1 July 2007-1 March 2010

Departmental Translation Services

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what documents his Department, associated agencies and non-departmental public bodies has translated for people in the UK who do not speak English.

Shahid Malik: None of DFID's documents that have been translated are primarily aimed at people in the UK who do not speak English. Documents are translated primarily for audiences in the countries in which DFID works such as Government officials, NGOs, and other stakeholders in civil society.
	No payments for translation services were made by non-departmental public bodies. DFID has no agencies.

Departmental Written Questions

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many and what proportion of Parliamentary questions for answer on a named day to his Department received a  (a) holding and  (b) substantive answer on the named day in each year since 2001.

Douglas Alexander: Details of named day parliamentary questions for the 2006-07 parliamentary session and the 2007-08 to date are as follows:
	
		
			  Session  Total named day parliamentary questions  Holding answer issued  Substantive answer by named day 
			 2006-07 207 20 187 
			 2007-08(1) 105 16 89 
			 (1) As at 29 February. 
		
	
	DFID endeavours to reply to all parliamentary questions within parliamentary deadlines where possible. Details of sessions prior to those aforementioned are not held centrally and would incur disproportionate costs to obtain.

Developing Countries: Health

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if his Department will take steps to encourage governments of developing countries to increase the transparency and public accountability of their policies on child health and nutrition.

Gillian Merron: The 2006 International Development White Paper "Making Governance Work for Poor People" sets out how the Department for International Development is encouraging developing country governments to increase transparency and accountability of all their policies and programmes, including those for child health and nutrition. For example, we support partner countries to improve the capacity of state institutions and strengthen accountability to the poor; including through stronger parliamentary and regulatory oversight.
	"Making Governance Work for Poor People" is available online at:
	http://www.dfid.gov.uk/wp2006/default.asp

Kosovo: Education

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate he has made of the percentage of  (a) children and  (b) girls enrolled in (i) primary and (ii) secondary education in Kosovo; and if he will make a statement.

Douglas Alexander: The information requested is as follows:
	
		
			  Figures for 2003 (Source—UNDP Human Development Report 2006) 
			  Percentage 
			   Primary  Secondary 
			 Overall enrolment 95 75 
			 Ratio of girls to boys (1)92 79 
			 (1) i.e. for every 100 boys there are around 92 girls. 
		
	
	The Government of Kosovo, in collaboration with the World Bank, is in the process of developing a new Education Strategy Plan which will be used to co-ordinate all government and donor funding.

Sudan: Politics and Government

John MacDougall: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his Department's most recent assessment is of the humanitarian situation in Darfur.

Gillian Merron: holding answer 29 February 2008
	The impact of the recent increase in violence in West Darfur is of grave concern, with over 57,000 newly displaced people and 160,000 cut off from humanitarian aid. Across Darfur as a whole 75,000 people have been displaced since the start of 2008. Malnutrition rates are climbing over the emergency threshold for the first time since 2004. The poor harvest in late 2007 and continuing displacement and insecurity threaten to exacerbate this problem.
	My right hon. Friends, the Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of State for International Development, on 27 February, issued a joint statement calling again on all parties to stop the violence; to allow immediate humanitarian access; to ensure respect for international humanitarian law including the protection of civilians; and to facilitate deployment of the AU-UN peacekeeping force (UNAMID). The UK continues to work closely with the UN and others to achieve these aims and to improve the humanitarian situation in Darfur.

Vietnam: Chemical Weapons

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 4 February 2008,  Official Report, columns 753-4W, on Vietnam, what international guidelines apply to concentrations of dioxin; and what the concentrations of dioxins are in those hotspots of serious contamination in Vietnam.

Shahid Malik: The calculation of acceptable dioxin levels in soil/sediment or in humans is complex. For soil or sediment, the Atlanta Centre for Disease Control in the US uses 1,000 parts per trillion Toxic Equivalence Quote (ppt TEQ) as being the maximum allowable level of dioxin contamination permitted before some form of corrective action must be taken to mitigate TEQ exposure. For the human body, the UK Foods Standards Agency has set the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) of dioxin at 2 picogram (pc)/kilogramme (kg) of body weight. This is based on World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
	The concept of a dioxin "hotspot" was developed by Hatfield Consultants Ltd (Canada) while working with the Ministry of Health in Vietnam. They found that the current level of dioxin contamination in and around the former US air bases where dioxin was stored, mixed and loaded onto planes—the hot spots—was much higher than current levels in the areas sprayed during the war. The three major hotspots are in Southern Vietnam at the former US air bases at Da Nang, Bien Hoa, and Phu Cat. Studies conducted between 2000 and 2004 by the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence found an average dioxin level of about 35,000 ppt TEQ at Da Nang and Bien Hoa airports. This is 35 times higher than acceptable levels recommended by the Atlanta Centre for Disease Control in the US.

Vietnam: Chemical Weapons

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 4 February 2008,  Official Report, columns 753-4W, on Vietnam: chemical weapons, how many Vietnamese have been identified as victims of Agent Orange  (a) inside and  (b) outside areas which were sprayed; and what estimate has been made of the numbers of as yet unborn people who will be affected.

Shahid Malik: There is no agreed accurate information available on how many Vietnamese were victims of Agent Orange and other herbicides, during and since the war, or how many will be affected in the future.
	The Government of Vietnam states that up to 5 million people may have been affected by Agent Orange. The US suggests that the number is probably much lower and is funding research to provide clearer evidence of the link between dioxins and health and of the number of people affected.

Transport Infrastructure: North East

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the North East transport infrastructure; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: Investment in transport within the North East is at record levels. The North East also benefits from improvements to key corridors and services outside the region. Expenditure across English regions is not directly comparable; a wide range of factors are taken into account in determining how funding should be distributed.

Maritime Transport

Stephen Ladyman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps her Department is taking to encourage people to take up careers in maritime transport.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Department continues to support the excellent work of the Merchant Navy Training Board and SeaVision in promoting maritime careers around the country.
	In addition, the Government provide support for seafarer training through the Tonnage Tax core training commitment and through the Support for Maritime Training scheme.

Foreign Lorries

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will bring forward proposals for a scheme to charge foreign registered lorries for their use of the UK's road network.

Jim Fitzpatrick: We have studied options for compiling a database of foreign haulage operations and vehicles to assist in the targeting of enforcement, including a "vignette" scheme whereby lorries would pay a charge for use of UK roads for a given time. The Department published a progress report alongside the 2007 pre-budget report. The study has raised a number of legal and other issues and we are considering the way forward.

Congestion: London

Richard Ottaway: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will bring forward legislative proposals to provide her with powers to reduce traffic congestion in London.

Rosie Winterton: The responsibility for setting and delivering a transport strategy for London was delegated to the Mayor of London under the GLA Act 1999. That Act also gave the Mayor the powers required to introduce road charging schemes to reduce traffic congestion in London. The Department continues to work closely with the Mayor, and Transport for London, to monitor the impact of his transport strategy.

Rail Ticketing

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions she has had with train operating companies on ticketing.

Tom Harris: The Secretary of State met with the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) on 10 December to discuss a range of fares and ticketing issues, principally fares simplification as outlined in the White Paper.
	Fares simplification will apply common terms and conditions to four generic, nationally available and easily understood fares categories.

CO2 Emissions: Airlines

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps she is taking to encourage airlines to take responsibility to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions.

Jim Fitzpatrick: We have a comprehensive strategy: supporting the development and application of new aircraft technology, making gains in air traffic control systems, encouraging more efficient practices and promoting market-based measures such as emissions trading. Airlines have a strong incentive to minimise fuel use, which would also be strengthened by proposals in the Government's consultation on Aviation Duty.

A46

Paddy Tipping: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will make a statement on the funding of highway improvements on the A46 between Newark and Widmerpool.

Tom Harris: The A46 Newark to Widmerpool improvement schemes is one of the schemes which is planned to be funded from the East Midlands' Regional Funding Allocation for major transport schemes. I understand that the region plans to review its recommended programme of schemes in the light of emerging cost pressures. We will carefully consider the region's advice both for the programme as a whole and in relation to the A46 scheme.

Longton Railway Bridge

Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions she has had with Network Rail on repainting Longton railway bridge.

Tom Harris: None. This is an operational matter for Network Rail. Network Rail informs me that it is currently discussing with Stoke-on-Trent city council whether the development and implementation of an aesthetic painting scheme for Longton viaduct can be included in its structures maintenance programme for 2008-09. A decision will be taken later this year.

Public Transport: Coastal Towns

Michael Jack: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans she has to increase use of public transport in coastal towns.

Rosie Winterton: The Government are committed to increasing public transport usage in all areas of the country.
	It is for local transport authorities, working with its partners, including regional bodies, to determine the transport priorities for its area.

Low Carbon Energy

Judy Mallaber: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research her Department is funding into low-carbon sources of energy for transport uses.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Department, and indeed the Government as a whole, is funding a wide range of research relevant to the development of lower carbon sources of energy for transport.
	To give just three examples of this: the Government have committed up to £30 million for UK R and D into Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform. Government are also supporting the development of the Energy Technologies Institute; and thirdly, the Government fund a wide range of greener aviation R and D through the National Aerospace Technology Strategy (NATS).
	In particular, I would refer my hon. Friend to the Department's "Low Carbon Transport Innovation Strategy", which was published last year at the time of the Energy White Paper, and provides a comprehensive guide to the Government's policies and activities in this area.

Rail Capacity

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the capacity of the rail network.

Tom Harris: In the preparation of the Rail White Paper, Government carried out assessments of the adequacy of the capacity of the rail network. This drew on work carried out by the rail industry. The outcome of this work is published in the 2007 Rail White Paper "Delivering a Sustainable Railway".

Rail Accessibility: Ipswich

Chris Mole: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps are being taken to improve access for disabled people at Ipswich railway station, under the Access for All programme.

Tom Harris: Ipswich station has been prioritised for Access for All funded improvements between 2009 and 2011. Step-free access to its platforms will be provided through the installation of a new footbridge and two new lifts. Local stakeholders are currently being consulted on the plans, which are now reaching the detailed design stage.

Aviation

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions her Department has had or plans to have on the past and potential future impact of  (a) changes in noise levels permitted from individual aircraft and  (b) changes in the size of aircraft upon (i) past increases and future total passenger and freight numbers and (ii) past and future (A) economic, (B) environmental and (C) social impacts; and what representations have been received on these matters.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The "Future of Air Transport" White Paper set out our key aim to limit and where possible reduce the number of people in the UK significantly affected by aircraft noise.
	In the White Paper, we highlighted the importance of promoting research and development into quieter aircraft and airframe technology. We are pursuing this aim through both international and national fora.
	Although technological change is a long-term issue, the aviation industry has made encouraging progress in addressing the noise of the airline fleet. For example, the newest generation of wide bodied aircraft is expected to make significantly less noise on arrival than the largest aircraft currently operating. We have also seen the introduction of new engines which include innovations to reduce noise and improve fuel efficiency.
	Possible future technological change and related impacts are taken into account in our forecasting. For example, the current consultation on the future expansion of Heathrow (Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport) has been prepared against this background. Paragraph 3.82 of the consultation document notes that although there were 73 per cent. more aircraft movements in 2005 compared with 1975, the number of people significantly affected by noise has fallen by 87 per cent. and the area affected reduced by 86 per cent. In addition, the night flights regime introduced in October 2006 at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted recognises technological change by providing incentives for introducing quieter aircraft. The regime was only introduced after an extensive two stage public consultation exercise.
	All major UK airports (i.e. 50,000 annual movements or above) have been required to map aircraft noise in compliance with the European environmental noise directive. Later this year, the airports will have to prepare strategic noise action plans setting out noise mitigation measures. These plans will have to be prepared in consultation with the local community and as such provide an opportunity for relevant local issues to be considered. In addition, we regularly receive representations on aircraft noise issues which help inform the Department's policy making.

Aviation: Buckinghamshire

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many aircraft routes cross High Wycombe and Marlow at 7,000 feet or less; what the height of each route is; how many planes per hour on average flew along each of those routes during  (a) night time,  (b) daytime and  (c) at peak times in the last 12 months; how many planes per hour on average are expected to fly along each of those routes during (i) night time, (ii) daytime and (iii) at peak times in 2014; and whether she has made an estimate of the likely impact of air traffic noise on levels in High Wycombe and Marlow in 2014.

Jim Fitzpatrick: This is an operational matter for NATS, the air navigation services provider, and I suggest the hon. Member directs his enquiries to the chief executive of NATS.
	On the airspace change process, I refer the hon. Member to my earlier answer to his question today (UIN 191596).

Aviation: Compensation

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what legislation governs the payment of compensation from airlines for injury or damage occurring accidentally while in flight; what representations she has received on this issue; and if she will make a statement.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Passengers must always take their own legal advice in relation to claims. Article 17 of the 1999 Montreal Convention provides that the carrier is liable for damage sustained in the event of death or bodily injury of a passenger upon condition only that the accident which caused the death or injury took place on board the aircraft or in the course of embarking or disembarking. The amount of compensation is governed by article 21. The Montreal Convention is given effect in the United Kingdom by the Carriage by Air Acts (Implementation of the Montreal Convention 1999) Order 2002, which came into force on 28 June 2004. The Department is not aware of any recent representations on this issue.

Departmental Pay

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when  (a) the pay increases for the 2007 pay round were paid,  (b) the race impact assessments of the 2007 pay deal were completed and  (c) the race impact assessments were made available to the recognised trades unions in relation to each of her Department's bargaining units.

Jim Fitzpatrick: holding answer 25 February 2008
	The following table gives details of when the 2007 pay increases for each of the bargaining units within the Department were made and indicates the current position with regard to the race impact assessments applicable to these.
	
		
			   2007 Pay increase paid  2007 Race impact assessment completed  Race impact assessments made available to the TUS 
			 Department for Transport (Centre) The increase was paid in November 2007 backdated to 1 August 2007 A draft impact assessment was produced in November 2007. This will form part of an overall Equality Impact Assessment to be completed by March 2008 The assessment will be shared with the TUS on completion. 
			 HA The increase was paid in January 2008 and was backdated to 1 August 2007 An assessment has just commenced An assessment has just commenced 
			 DVLA The increase was paid in November 2007 backdated to 1 August 2007 An assessment has not yet been completed An assessment has not yet been completed 
			 VOSA The increase was paid in January 2008 and was backdated to 1 August 2007 An assessment has not yet been completed. This will be incorporated into an Equal Pay Audit in April 2008 An assessment has not yet been completed. This will be incorporated into an Equal Pay Audit in April 2008 
			 VGA The increase was paid in August 2007 Equality impact are an ongoing part of the pay round process Assessments are shared with the TUS as part of the pay round process 
			 MCA The increase was paid in February 2008 and was backdated to 1 August 2007 An assessment has not yet been completed An assessment has not yet been completed 
			 GCDA The increase was paid in April 2007. An impact assessment was completed in May 2007. The assessment was shared with the TUS in July 2007. 
			 DSA The increase was paid in December 2007 An impact assessment is being prepared. An impact assessment is being prepared.

Freight: Industrial Health and Safety

Janet Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what regulations govern the safe loading of scrap metal on to heavy goods vehicles for transit; what steps are taken to enforce these regulations; and if she will make a statement.

Anne McGuire: I have been asked to reply.
	There are no regulations that deal specifically with loading goods, including scrap metal, on to road vehicles. However, this activity is covered by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and where the loading of scrap metal is done using lifting equipment, the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 will also apply. All these are enforced by health and safety inspectors. Regulation 100 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations covers the safety of loads being transported on vehicles, and this is enforced by the police.

Great Western Trains

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations she has received from rail users on the performance of First Great Western; and if she will make a statement.

Tom Harris: In recent months Ministers and officials at the Department for Transport have received many representations from rail users regarding First Great Western performance.
	I refer the hon. Gentleman to the written statement made by my right hon. Friend on 26 February 2008,  Official Report, columns 73-4WS.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport: Transport

Stephen Hesford: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent improvements have been made to transport links to and from Liverpool John Lennon airport; and if she will make a statement.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Government's "Future of Air Transport" White Paper of 2003 supported the development of Liverpool John Lennon airport as a key driver to generating growth and investment in Merseyside and the north west region, provided proposed developments took into account the local and wider environmental impacts of air travel. The airport already enjoys good surface transport links including an express bus service from the city centre, and the Liverpool South Parkway rail-bus interchange opened in 2006. The airport's draft master plan, published in 2006, explored a range of possible further options for transport links, and the airport's operator continues to work with local statutory agencies and other partners to evaluate them.

Oil: Prices

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what her Department's assumptions are of the future price of oil in  (a) 2010,  (b) 2015,  (c) 2020,  (d) 2025,  (e) 2030,  (f) 2040 and  (g) 2050.

Jim Fitzpatrick: holding answer 4 February 2008
	The Department uses oil price projections produced by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBERR) in its modelling. The latest estimates were published last year in the Energy White Paper. These have been used for latest road traffic, aviation and rail forecasts and are currently being integrated into the advice and software the Department provides to transport promoters preparing business cases for schemes. These long-term price projections are to 2020 which for the latest transport modelling are projected further usually assuming no changes beyond 2020.
	The current oil price projection (in 2006 prices) can be seen in the following table. DBERR produce a low, central and high price projection. These are real prices and the nominal prices—that include the impacts of forecast inflation—would be higher, for example, the real price of $53 in 2025 is approximately $88 in nominal prices.
	
		
			  2006 prices 
			   Low  Central  High 
			 2010 25 57 70 
			 2015 25 50 75 
			 2020 25 53 80

Railways

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps she is taking to obtain a modal shift from road and air to rail travel; and if she will make a statement.

Tom Harris: The Government's aim is to offer the public an informed choice to which mode of transport to use, rather than prescribing one mode over others. Our priority is to ensure rail provides a viable alternative to road and air travel where possible. To this end, the White Paper, Delivering a Sustainable Railway published in July 2007, commits £15 billion in public support for the railway between 2009 and 2014, with £10 billion to be spent specifically on enhancing capacity during that period.

Railways: Death

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many fatalities at footpath rail crossings caused by  (a) accidents,  (b) trespassers,  (c) suicides and  (d) other circumstances there were in each of the last three years.

Tom Harris: The Office of Rail Regulation has provided the following data for fatalities at footpath rail crossings in each of the last three years:
	
		
			   (a) Accident  (b)  Trespass  (c) Confirmed suicide  Total 
			 2005 1 0 3 4 
			 2006 4 2 1 7 
			 2007 2 3 0 5 
		
	
	The data covers people fatally injured while on the crossing. Fatalities involving people who used footpath crossings to gain access and trespass onto the railway line are not included. The figures for 2007 are still provisional and are dependent on the outcome of coroners' inquests.

Railways: Internet

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps she is taking to encourage train operators to make on board internet available on long distance services; and if she will make a statement.

Tom Harris: While we encourage all operators to improve the provision of on board services, the availability of on board internet access is a commercial matter for train operators.

Roads: Accidents

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many  (a) drivers,  (b) passengers and  (c) pedestrians aged (i) 16 or under, (ii) 17 to 20, (iii) 21 to 25, (iv) 26 to 30, (v) 31 to 35, (vi) 36 to 40, (vii) 41 to 45, (viii) 46 to 50, (ix) 51 to 60, (x) 61 to 70 and (xi) 71 years or over were (A) killed and (B) injured in a road accident, in each of the last five years; and how many drivers in each age group were convicted of an offence of driving while intoxicated due to (1) alcohol and (2) drugs or other substances in each such year.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The numbers of  (a) drivers,  (b) passengers and  (c) pedestrians aged (i) 16 and under, (ii) 17 to 20, (iii) 21 to 25, (iv) 26 to 30, (v) 31 to 35, (vi) 36 to 40, (vii) 41 to 45, (viii) 46 to 50, (ix) 51 to 60, (x) 61 to 70 or (xi) 71 years or over that have been (A) killed or (B) injured in a reported road accident in 2002 to 2006 are shown in the table.
	
		
			  Number of casualties 
			   2002  2003  2004  2005  2006 
			  Casualty class/Casualty age  Killed  Injured( 1)  Killed  Injured( 1)  Killed  Injured( 1)  Killed  Injured( 1)  Killed  Injured( 1) 
			  Driver or Rider   
			 16 or under 42 7,679 39 7,855 46 7,880 44 7,396 59 6,650 
			 17-20 244 20,889 268 20,459 235 20,891 259 21,610 259 21,207 
			 21-25 251 23,796 258 23,228 269 22,863 250 22,344 288 21,253 
			 26-30 249 23,110 234 21,054 190 19,670 209 18,631 179 18,255 
			 31-35 221 23,763 237 21,955 223 20,465 192 19,153 187 17,376 
			 36-40 210 21,155 227 20,550 229 19,611 201 18,531 184 17,801 
			 41-45 160 15,768 170 15,826 161 15,602 156 15,795 150 15,183 
			 46-50 110 11,817 131 11,717 96 11,492 113 11,558 135 11,555 
			 51-60 191 17,118 210 16,828 175 16,602 206 16,339 180 15,724 
			 61-70 110 7,305 118 7,393 99 7,216 98 7,097 117 7,171 
			 71 or over 172 5,565 167 5,523 180 5,406 187 5,303 150 5,175 
			 Total(2) 1,975 180,557 2,067 174,898 1,913 170,159 1,918 166,291 1,892 159,631 
			
			  Passenger   
			 16 or under 111 17,733 99 16,649 81 16,068 84 14,418 94 13,522 
			 17-20 144 12,697 160 12,209 187 11,939 148 11,770 141 11,862 
			 21-25 103 9,482 109 8,673 86 8,718 101 8,212 87 7,812 
			 26-30 47 6,348 45 5,876 51 5,261 46 5,127 40 4,885 
			 31-35 34 5,047 36 4,817 29 4,357 25 3,939 25 3,538 
			 36-40 28 4,437 16 4,210 27 3,864 18 3,649 21 3,405 
			 41-45 20 3,495 24 3,345 15 3,188 19 2,989 18 2,835 
			 46-50 14 3,107 17 2,980 15 2,893 17 2,725 12 2,604 
			 51-60 37 5,423 27 5,219 33 4,818 27 4,669 33 4,499 
			 61-70 34 4,240 46 4,111 20 3,924 34 3,671 30 3,471 
			 71 or over 101 4,829 84 4,606 90 4,463 91 4,121 101 3,838 
			 Total(2) 681 80,608 667 76,570 637 73,250 612 68,915 605 65,294 
			
			  Pedestrian   
			 16 or under 88 15,052 86 13,420 92 13,080 73 12,053 85 10,904 
			 17-20 44 3,114 62 3,000 34 2,991 58 2,828 36 2,748 
			 21-25 60 2,839 51 2,790 45 2,676 40 2,622 49 2,462 
			 26-30 36 2,314 40 2,161 34 2,022 34 1,852 29 1,843 
			 31-35 33 1,935 33 1,981 34 1,840 35 1,761 39 1,612 
			 36-40 48 1,895 40 1,745 40 1,720 27 1,654 47 1,504 
			 41-45 40 1,490 36 1,412 35 1,376 38 1,422 32 1,325 
			 46-50 41 1,287 41 1,240 32 1,141 31 1,193 37 1,158 
			 51-60 79 2,123 82 2,049 63 2,007 71 1,972 54 1,887 
			 61-70 63 1,706 61 1,688 61 1,493 64 1,464 53 1,426 
			 71 or over 235 2,967 237 2,820 196 2,626 196 2,487 212 2,363 
			 Total(2) 775 38,009 774 35,631 671 34,210 671 32,610 675 30,307 
			 (1 )Seriously or slightly injured (2 )Includes cases where age is not reported 
		
	
	Information on convictions for driving while intoxicated due to alcohol or drugs for the drivers in the aforementioned table is not available. Information on convictions is provided by the Ministry of Justice. This data is not linked to personal injury road accident data.
	The latest available information held on convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs by age groups from 2001-05 is provided in the table. 2006 data will be available later this year. The data provided covers both drink and drugs offences combined, as volumes of convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs separately cannot be accurately established.
	
		
			  Findings of guilt at all courts for driving etc. after consuming alcohol or taking drugs( 1)  by age group, England and Wales, 2001-05 
			  Number of offences 
			  Age groups  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
			 16 or under 612 616 679 624 577 
			 17(2 )to 20 10,294 10,611 11,109 11,011 10,779 
			 21 to 25(3) 16,123 17,395 18,414 18,942 18,681 
			 26 to 30 13,881 14,547 14,508 14,785 14,348 
			 31 to 35 12,137 13,014 13,447 13,541 12,601 
			 36 to 40 10,442 11,131 11,623 11,786 11,232 
			 41 to 45 7,608 8,262 8,711 9,526 9,285 
			 46 to 50 5,462 5,894 5,957 6,290 6,338 
			 51 to 60 6,182 6,791 7,014 7,289 7,303 
			 61 to 70 1,616 1,862 1,834 2,037 2,138 
			 71 and over 385 362 405 407 436 
			 Total 84,742 90,485 93,701 96,238 93,718 
			 (1) Data covers summary offences of driving etc after consuming alcohol or taking drugs (which cannot reliably be distinguished separately). (2) Age 17 used as default age when date of birth is not known for a juvenile. (3) Age 25 used as default age when date of birth is not known for an adult.  Notes: 1. It is known that for some police force areas, the reporting of court proceedings, in particular summary motoring offences, is less than complete. 2. Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.  Source:  Ministry of Justice

Transport: Carbon Emissions

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate she has made of the carbon dioxide emissions per passenger mile from travel by  (a) road,  (b) air and  (c) rail.

Jim Fitzpatrick: DEFRA's Company Reporting Guidelines published in 2007, available at:
	http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/business/envrp/pdf/conversion-factors.pdf
	enable existing data sources, such as car mileage and fuel consumption, to be converted into illustrative carbon dioxide equivalent data. Using the guidelines to determine average carbon dioxide emissions per passenger km and converting to passenger mile produces the following results:
	
		
			   Carbon dioxide emissions per passenger mile: (kg) 
			  From:   
			 Road Average petrol car 0.21 
			  Average diesel car 0.20 
			 Air Long haul flights 0.19 
			  Short haul flights 0.23 
			  Domestic flights 0.28 
			 Rail National rail 0.10 
		
	
	For road, the factors used in the guidelines are estimated average values for the UK car fleet, travelling on average trips in the UK, per vehicle mile. This has been divided by an average car occupancy rate of 1.6 passengers to derive the average emissions per passenger mile figure given in the table .
	The rail estimate is for national rail and refers to an average emission factor for diesel and electric trains.
	For aviation, the emissions factor is an aggregate representation of the typical emissions from illustrative types of aircraft for the three types of air services. Actual emissions will vary significantly according to the type of aircraft in use, the load, cabin class, etc. An uplift of 9 per cent. has been applied to account for non-direct routes, circling and congestion. This is in line with the evidence from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (1999).
	DEFRA are currently updating the conversion factors and revised figures are due to be published soon.

Departmental Co-ordination: Computers

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with Ministers from other departments on the merits of virtualisation of server hardware.

Jonathan R Shaw: New DEFRA transactional systems of any magnitude are now developed and deployed by IBM on server infrastructure that is based on the principles of virtualisation. DEFRA currently has over 120 separate server images mapped across approximately 12 physical servers. We adopt this approach to reduce IT costs by using resources efficiently and to reduce our carbon footprint.
	Discussions on the merits and best practice in deployment of the virtualisation of server hardware are held at official level with other Government Departments through the Cabinet Office chaired Chief Technology Officers Council and with our supplier IBM.

Energy Conservation: Heating

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps the Government is taking to ensure that the Energy-using Products Directive maximises carbon savings from heating controls.

Joan Ruddock: The Government are committed to raising product efficiency and we are working with key stakeholders from the boiler and water heater industry and the European Commission to develop proposals which will maximise the standards and efficiency of products covered under the energy-using products directive.
	Heating controls play an important role in improving the efficiency of heating systems and the Government have recently published a consultation paper setting out indicative standards for better use of existing controls and advanced controls for domestic heating.

Sewers

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what work is being undertaken to map the underground water drainage network.

Phil Woolas: The 10 water and sewerage companies in England and Wales have a statutory duty to keep records of the location of every public sewer, lateral drain or disposal main which is vested in them. They must also keep a record of the location of those that are subject to a declaration of vesting and those where an agreement to make such a declaration has been made.
	There is no requirement to keep, and no comprehensive record exists, of the location of private sewers or drains. In March 2007, the Government published a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) to accompany the announcement of its decision to proceed with the transfer of private sewers and drains in England and Wales into the ownership of the water and sewerage companies. The RIA recorded that the unpublished 2002 UK Water Industry Research report, 'The Real Cost of Taking Over Private Sewers and Drains', estimated that a mapping exercise for private sewers would cost £118 million.

Sustainable Development: Products

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the Energy-using Products Framework Directive does not distort the market for such products.

Joan Ruddock: The Government's Market Transformation Programme is currently assessing the full range of possible impacts of implementation of the Energy Using Products Directive, based on the Commission's current proposals.
	DEFRA officials have invited key stakeholders, including members of the boiler and water heater industry, to discuss implementation of the Energy Using Products Directive and raise any concerns on implications for the UK. The Commission is currently analysing responses from the industry and the alternative proposals it has put forward.
	DEFRA officials have also attended meetings with the European Trade Associations in order to learn more about the issues the boiler and heating industry face across Europe.

Antisocial Behaviour: Shopping Centres

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government has taken to tackle anti-social behaviour in shopping precincts since 1997.

Vernon Coaker: holding answer 29 February 2008
	While we have not taken any specific steps to tackle antisocial behaviour in shopping precincts, we have provided practitioners with a toolkit to tackle antisocial behaviour, which they operate according to local priorities, and a practitioner website and advice line. The case studies and advice provided help tackle antisocial behaviour in a number of settings, including shopping precincts.

Crime

Alan Milburn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what change there has been in  (a) crime and  (b) detection rates in (i) each category of offence and (ii) overall in each basic command unit in the last (A) year and (B) five years for which figures are available.

Vernon Coaker: The available information is given in the tables placed in the House Library. Data from 2002-03 has been used in the calculations rather than using data from five years ago (i.e. 2001-02). This is because data for 2001-02 is not directly comparable with that for later years.
	Some forces have re-structured their Basic Command Units which has resulted in many comparisons not being possible.
	It should be noted that non-sanction detections that contribute to the percentage change in detection rates have fallen in recent years reflecting a significant shift by many police forces away from recording detections of crime where no further action is taken. For this reason overall detections rates over time are not fully comparable. From 1 April 2007 the rules governing recording of non-sanction detections were revised to reduce the scope within which they can be claimed to a very limited set of circumstances.

Domestic Violence

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she intends to implement section 12 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004.

Vernon Coaker: Section 12 of the Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act 2004 will enable courts to impose restraining orders on those convicted of any offence, and also on those who are acquitted for any offence. This will mean that restraining orders will be available in a much wider range of cases.
	We are currently working with the Ministry of Justice on the resource implications of this provision. When we have resolved this issue, we will be in a position to agree timetable for the implementation of this section of the Act.

Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what monitoring she has undertaken of the implementation of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004; and if she will make a statement.

Vernon Coaker: The Ministry of Justice/Her Majesty's Courts Service have commissioned an evaluation of the impact of the most recently implemented provision in the Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act 2004—section 1, which made breach of a non-molestation order a criminal offence. An evaluation report is due shortly.
	Earlier provisions commenced in 2005—for example, extending to members of same sex couples the right to apply for a protective civil injunction against domestic violence from a partner—now form part of standard business. Her Majesty's Court Service monitors trends in applications and orders through the family court IT system.

Customs Officers: Training

David Amess: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many HM Revenue and Customs officers are trained in Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species-related issues; how many were trained in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: Approximately 4,500 staff are engaged in anti smuggling duties and undertake training in Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species related issues, as part of their mandatory training.
	The following table below highlights how many staff were trained in each year, since centrally kept records were kept:
	
		
			   Number 
			 1999 72 
			 2000 389 
			 2001 438 
			 2002 178 
			 2003 195 
			 2004 574 
			 2005 172 
			 2006 211 
			 2007 224

Winter Fuel Payments

David Crausby: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give consideration to increasing the winter fuel allowance for pensioners in preparing for the forthcoming budget.

Angela Eagle: The Government keeps all tax rates and benefit payments under review as part of the Budget process.

Departmental Consultants

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much his Department's transformation programme has cost to date; how much the two all-staff conferences to discuss the transformation programme cost; how many consultants have been employed to work on the transformation programme; which consultancy companies have been involved in the programme; and how much has been paid to each such consultancy to date.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Costs associated with the DCMS Transformation Programme from April 2007 to date are as follows:
	
		
			   Cost (£) 
			 Staff costs of the change team (civil servants) 125,000 
			 October 2007 and February 2008 staff conferences held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall 42,906 
			   
			  Consultants engaged to provide expert facilitation and advice:  
			 McKinsey and Company 18,500 
			 Stanton Marris 12,400 
			 Deloitte 25,206

Departmental Written Questions

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many and what proportion of parliamentary questions for answer on a named day to his Department received a  (a) holding and  (b) substantive answer on the named day in each year since 2001.

Gerry Sutcliffe: DCMS aim to ensure that hon. Members receive a substantive response to their named day question on the named day. Unfortunately, this is not always possible but this Department makes every effort to meet this timescale. The information requested is provided in the following table.
	
		
			  Named day parliamentary questions 
			   (a) Received holding answer  (b) Received substantive answer on named day 
			   Number  Percentage  Number  Percentage 
			 2002 288 52.9 256 47.1 
			 2003 63 42.6 85 57.4 
			 2004 57 29.2 138 70.8 
			 2005 126 44.5 157 55.5 
			 2006 126 28.6 315 71.4 
			 2007(1) 227 47.2 254 52.8 
			 (1) Includes named day questions answered by the Minister for the Olympics since June 2007  Source: Information derived from the DCMS parliamentary questions database.

Gambling: Internet

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what arrangements there are to prevent children under the age of 18 years on using internet gambling sites; and if he will bring forward proposals for users to prove their age before accessing those sites.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Operators of internet gambling sites which are licensed by the Gambling Commission must comply with tough social responsibility measures to prevent underage gambling. These measures include procedures requiring customers to affirm they are of legal age, warning customers that underage gambling is an offence and requiring gambling websites to permit filtering software so that parents can restrict access to those sites.
	All remote operators are required to complete age verification checks for customers that register to gamble using a debit card or other means of electronic payment other than a credit card, which are not generally available to under 18s. In addition, customers are not permitted to withdraw winnings until satisfactory age verification checks have been completed.
	For credit card users, there are separate provisions which require operators to carry out a programme of random checks to ensure compliance with age restrictions.
	If operators fail to comply with these requirements they are subject to regulatory action from the Gambling Commission.
	For websites in other jurisdictions that are not licensed by the Gambling Commission, operators will be subject to the age verification measures required by the relevant jurisdiction.

National Lottery: Grants

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much funding the National Lottery Commission received from  (a) the National Lottery Distribution Fund and  (b) the Olympic Lottery Distribution Fund in each of the last five years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The sums deducted from each fund in respect of the national lottery commission's expenses are given in the following table.
	
		
			  £ 
			   National lottery distribution fund  Olympic lottery distribution fund 
			 2006-07 8,047,000 700,000 
			 2005-06 7,291,000 0 
			 2004-05 4,401,000 — 
			 2003-04 3,765,000 — 
			 2002-03 2,342,000 — 
		
	
	These figures are taken from the National Lottery Distribution Fund and Olympic Lottery Distribution Fund Accounts. The significant increase in the last two financial years is attributable mainly to the Commission's work on the preparation and running of the competition for the third licence to run the national lottery.

Iraq: Weapons

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the accuracy of the defence intelligence staff estimates prior to the Iraq war that claims about Iraqi weapons of mass destruction had been exaggerated.

Des Browne: holding answer 3 March 2008
	 On 3 February 2004, the then-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs announced the establishment of a Committee of Privy Councillors, to be headed by the right hon. Lord Butler of Brockwell KG GCB CVO, to review intelligence on weapons of mass destruction.
	The Terms of Reference of the Committee included investigation of the accuracy of intelligence on Iraqi WMD up to March 2003, examination of any discrepancies between the intelligence gathered, evaluated and used by the Government before the conflict, and between that intelligence and what had been discovered by the Iraq Survey Group since the end of the conflict.
	The Butler Committee delivered its formal report "Review of Intelligence on Weapons of Mass Destruction" (HC898) on 14 July 2004. That report, the conclusions of which the Government accepted in full, constitutes the formal Government review on this matter; no subsequent assessment on this matter has been undertaken within the Ministry of Defence.

Departmental Pay

Philip Hammond: To ask the Prime Minister how much was claimed in reimbursable expenses by Senior Civil Service staff in his Office in the last 12 month period for which figures are available.

Gordon Brown: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office (Tom Watson) on 3 March (UIN 187551).

Press

David Laws: To ask the Prime Minister how many press officers were employed in the Downing street press office in each reporting period since 31 March 1997; how many were employed on the most recent date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Gordon Brown: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 15 October 2007,  Official Report, columns 819-20W, and to the answers given by my predecessor (right hon. Tony Blair) on 30 November 2006,  Official Report, columns 895-6W, 22 March 2004,  Official Report, column 561W, 10 April 2002,  Official Report, column 11W and 22 November 2001,  Official Report, column 471W.

Television

Francis Maude: To ask the Prime Minister how many plasma television screens have been purchased by 10 Downing street, and at what cost in the last 24 months.

Gordon Brown: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office (Tom Watson) today.

Japan: Whales

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions the Minister for Asia had with the Japanese Foreign Minister in Tokyo in January on Japan's whaling programme in the Southern Ocean; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: My noble Friend the Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, the right hon. Lord Malloch-Brown, visited Tokyo from 17-19 January. During his discussion with the Japanese Foreign Minister, the Minister reiterated the UK's strong opposition to Japan's whaling programme.
	The Government believe whaling is inherently cruel and continue strongly to urge Japan to cease its whaling activities. In December last year our ambassador in Tokyo took part in a 30 country (plus the European Commission) demarche to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to protest against Japan's whaling programme. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Jonathan Shaw) met with the deputy head of mission at the Japanese embassy in January and robustly challenged Japan's policy on whaling, pointing out that the UK would continue to state our opposition on this issue publicly.

Crown Dependencies

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice on what occasions  (a) Ministers and  (b) officials in his Department or its predecessor met representatives of the government of the Isle of Man in each year since 1997; what issues were discussed; what the (i) location and (ii) duration of each meeting was; whether a record of each meeting was kept; who attended each meeting; and if he will make a statement.

Michael Wills: There are regular meetings between officials in the Ministry of Justice and their counterparts in the Isle of Man and it would not be possible to list each one. Some of these meetings have taken place in the Isle of Man, some in the Ministry of Justice and some in other Government Departments. In general no formal or permanent record of these meetings is kept and most often action points are agreed between the respective officials.
	From records and in the time available I can confirm that the following high-level meetings have taken place.
	On 31 July and 1 August 2002 then Parliamentary Secretary at the Lord Chancellor's Department the right hon. Member for Doncaster, Central (Ms Winterton), with officials visited the Isle of Man and held meetings with the Chief Minister, the Lieutenant Governor, the Chief Secretary, the President of Tynwald, the Speaker of the House of Keys and members of Tynwald. Among the issues discussed were international tax, the exchange of information, terrorism, the undersea gas pipeline, the euro, access to national lottery proceeds, student visas and Sellafield.
	Between 26 and 28 November 2002 the Lord Chancellor and Permanent Secretary with other officials visited the Isle of Man and held meetings with the Chief Minister, the Lieutenant Governor, the Chief Secretary, the Chief Financial Officer, the President of Tynwald, the Speaker of the House of Keys, members of Tynwald and the Financial Supervision Commission. Among the issues discussed were, international tax, the euro, security issues (routes to Isle of Man), speed of response on fisheries matters, the Isle of Man aircraft register, extension of maritime conventions to Isle of Man and Sellafield.
	On 4 and 5 November 2003 David Lammy MP (then Parliamentary Under Secretary to Department for Constitutional Affairs) with officials visited the Isle of Man and held meetings with the Chief Minister, the Lieutenant Governor, the Chief Secretary, the President of Tynwald, the Speaker of the House of Keys, members of Tynwald and the Deputy Deemster. Among the issues discussed were, the competitiveness of the Isle of Man shipping register, airport slots and regional access, taxation and market access, fisheries, the lottery, UK higher education and top - up fees, qualified teacher status, visa applications for full time study in the Isle of Man, the inclusion of the Isle of Man in UK co-production treaty arrangements, UNESCO and the nomination of Tynwald Hill as a World Heritage Site.
	On 22 and 23 September 2005 the Lord Chancellor with officials visited the Isle of Man and held meetings with the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary, the Attorney-General, members of Tynwald, the Deemster, the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of External Relations, the Financial Services Commission and the Insurance and Pensions Authority. Among the issues discussed were relations between the Isle of Man and the UK, the Isle of Man financial services industry, the impact of EU and UK initiatives on the Isle of Man, tax information exchange agreements, development of the Isle of Man's international profile, the Isle of Man space business, UK e-gaming regulation, the World Trade Organisation, immigration and anti-terrorism measures.
	On 25 and 26 January 2007 the Permanent Secretary for the Department for Constitutional Affairs with officials visited the Isle of Man and held meetings with the Lieutenant Governor, the Chief Minister, the President of Tynwald, the Treasury Minister, the First Deemster, the Chief Secretary, Attorney-General, Chief Financial Officer, and the Director of External Relations. Among the issues discussed were the Isle of Man's external relations, the development of the relationship between the Isle of Man and the UK and the development of an international identity framework, taxation and entrustment.
	On 5 December 2007 the Isle of Man Chief Minister with officials visited the Ministry of Justice for an introductory meeting with Michael Wills MP, Minister of State. Among the issues discussed by Ministers and officials was the Isle of Man's external relations and working relations between the respective administrations.

Employability Skills

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people his Department estimates have found employment as a consequence of participating in the Employability Skills programme which his Department announced on 1st August 2007.

Bill Rammell: I have been asked to reply.
	Success in the Employability Skills Programme is measured in a number of ways, including achievement of literacy, language and numeracy qualifications, achievements of an employability certificate in addition to Job outcomes.
	Provision typically lasts 15 weeks and in that time Training Providers work with local Jobcentre Plus offices to try to identify suitable job opportunities and ideally to find work with training.
	We expect the LSC to report on the full range of success criteria including qualifications and job outcomes at quarterly reviews, the first set of data to end of February 2008 will be reported at the quarterly review in April 2008.

Income Support

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people claiming income support worked for fewer than 16 hours per week in each year since 1997.

James Plaskitt: One of the conditions for claiming income support is that claimants must not be working for 16 or more hours a week. Therefore all the people claiming income support worked for fewer than 16 hours per week in each year since 1997.
	The information on those income support claimants doing some work, but less than 16 hours, is in the following table.
	
		
			  Number of income support (IS) claimants (excluding minimum income guarantee1) working less than 16 hours a week 
			  Period ending  Number  As percentage of total IS claims 
			 May 1997 80,900 3.6 
			 May 1998 79,700 3.6 
			 May 1999 80,200 3.6 
			 May 2000 73,200 3.3 
			 May 2001 67,000 3.0 
			 May 2002 66,000 3.0 
			 May 2003 64,500 2.9 
			 May 2004 60,200 2.7 
			 May 2005 55,200 2.5 
			 May 2006 53,000 2.5 
			 May 2007 49,300 2.3 
			  Notes: 1. Data excludes minimum income guarantee (MIG) data to provide a consistent time series for income support claimants. In October 2003, pension credit replaced MIG (income support for people aged 60 or over/with partner aged 60 or over). 2. Figures are uprated to Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study totals and rounded to the nearest 100.  Source:  DWP Information Directorate five per cent. sample

Social Rented Housing

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of households in social housing he estimates were in poverty in  (a) England,  (b) each region and  (c) each London local authority area in (i) 1997 and (ii) 2006-07.

Stephen Timms: Specific information regarding low income for the United Kingdom is available in "Households Below Average Income 1994-95, 2005-06 (Revised)". The threshold of below 60 per cent. contemporary median income is the most commonly used in reporting trends in low income.
	The available information is shown in the following tables. The data source does not allow us to provide robust numbers for estimates below the level of Government Office Region. Data for 2006-07 is not yet available so statistics for the most recent years are given instead.
	
		
			  Proportion of households in social housing having an income below 60 per cent. of median in England  and by r egion, three-year averages over 1996-97, 1997-98 and 1998-99 
			   Percentage of households 
			   Before housing costs  After housing costs 
			 England 31 55 
			 North East 36 56 
			 North West 34 55 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 38 55 
			 East Midlands 35 55 
			 West Midlands 33 53 
			 East of England 26 52 
			 London 28 58 
			 South East 21 52 
			 South West 27 57 
		
	
	
		
			  Proportion of households in social housing having an income below 60 per cent. of median in England and by region, three-year averages over 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06 
			   Percentage of households 
			   Before housing costs  After housing costs 
			 England 30 45 
			 North East 32 42 
			 North West 31 44 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 32 42 
			 East Midlands 33 45 
			 West Midlands 32 45 
			 East of England 25 41 
			 London 30 52 
			 South East 23 42 
			 South West 27 41 
			  Notes: 1. Three survey year averages are given for each of the regions as robust single year estimates cannot be produced because of the sample sizes for individual regions. 2 The income measures used to derive the estimates shown employ the same methodology as the Department for Work and Pensions publication 'Households Below Average Income' series, which uses disposable household income, adjusted/equivalised for household size and composition, as an income measure as a proxy for standard of living. 3. The figures are based on OECD equivalisation factors. 4. Tables show figure in percentages rounded to the nearest percentage point.

Winter Fuel Payments

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many and what percentage of pensioners did not receive their winter fuel payment before Christmas 2007.

Mike O'Brien: The Winter Fuel Payment is to help with fuel bills rather than to pay for Christmas but The Pension Service aims to pay 99 per cent. of all Winter Fuel Payments before Christmas. This Winter The Pension Service exceeded this target paying 99.98 per cent. of all cases by Christmas. Of the 12,360,293 customers eligible for an automatic Winter Fuel Payment, which should have been paid prior to Christmas, 2,352 customers (0.019 per cent.) did not receive their Payment before Christmas.

Further Education: Crimes of Violence

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how he plans to ensure that further education colleges have in place plans to respond to incidents of violent extremism.

Bill Rammell: We are consulting on the best way to support colleges in their role in promoting community cohesion, fostering shared values and preventing violent extremism. Given that we believe a differentiated approach is needed so that colleges can develop plans appropriate to their circumstances, we are not proposing to impose an additional monitoring requirement to ensure all have plans for responding to incidents of violent extremism.
	We will review the consultation responses and determine what further steps, if any, are needed in this regard.
	Our view is that further education colleges' response to this issue this will be best managed by colleges identifying and implementing solutions that work in their particular circumstances, supported by the relevant agencies and by good practice from around the network.

Higher Education: Applications

Stephen Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what criteria his Department uses to define a university applicant as a home or international student; and what account is taken as to whether they have indefinite leave to remain as opposed to exceptional leave to remain.

Bill Rammell: For student support purposes, a "home" student is a person who can demonstrate a specified connection with the UK and satisfy the other eligibility criteria. The specified connection consists of a combination of residence, immigration and in some cases nationality requirements.
	Categories of student who may be eligible include those who on the first day of the first academic year of the course are:
	settled in the UK within the meaning of the Immigration Act of 1971 (which includes those with indefinite leave to remain) and
	persons awarded leave to enter or remain following a failed asylum application (Exceptional Leave to Enter or Remain, Humanitarian Protection or Discretionary Leave) and their family members.
	Both categories are required to have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands for the three years prior to the start of their course.
	Other categories of students may qualify tuition fee support or full student support provided they satisfy specific EEA/EC legislation requirements or have been awarded refugee status.

Qualifications: Finance

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what qualifications are included in the £3.7 million figure in paragraph D4.9 in the 2007 pre-Budget report/comprehensive spending review.

Bill Rammell: Paragraph D4.9 refers to the number of adult qualifications the Government are expected to support over the comprehensive spending review (CSR) period. The subsequent joint grant letter to the Learning and Skills Council from my Department and the Department for Children, Schools and Families published on 16 November set out in detail the number and type of achievements this would include specifically those which contribute to our public service agreement targets.
	These qualifications are basic literacy and numeracy, full level 2, full level 3 and apprenticeships all of which provide adults with the education and skills they need to fully participate in an economically successful and socially cohesive society. In order to support the achievement of these qualifications, my Department will also be investing in programmes below level 2 through the foundation learning tier (FLT). The FLT will provide a coherent framework of units and qualifications at entry and level 1 level that can be combined to form progression pathways. This will enable adults to engage in learning and progress through to level 2.

Children: Obesity

John Cummings: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many children in the age groups  (a) 5 to 8,  (b) 9 to 11,  (c) 12 to 13 and  (d) 14 to 16 years were classed as obese in each school in Easington constituency in the latest period for which figures are available.

Dawn Primarolo: I have been asked to reply.
	The best available data on prevalence of child obesity in the North East region is available through the "Health Survey for England (HSE) and the National Child Measurement Programme" (NCMP).
	The HSE 2006, published in January 2008, showed that in the North East for children aged 2-15 years, 20 per cent. of boys and 15 per cent. of girls were obese.
	The NCMP weighs and measures children aged 4-5 years and 10-11 years. The Report published on February 21, 2008 showed that for the North East Strategic Health Authority, 10.9 per cent. of children aged 4-5 years, and 19.9 per cent. of children aged 10-11 years, were obese.
	Obesity prevalence is available by primary care trust and local authority in the NCMP report, which is available on the Department of Health website at:
	www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/Healthimprovement/Healthyliving/DH_083093.
	School-level results are not available from the HSE, because a sampling method is used and, due to the small numbers involved, results are not reliable below regional level.
	School-level results have not been published at a national level for the NCMP. However, the dataset has now been shared with Public Health Observatories to allow them to undertake their own analysis, including analysis at school level, according to regional and local needs.

Children: Obesity

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many children aged  (a) five to eight,  (b) nine to 11,  (c) 12 to 13 and  (d) 14 to 16 years were classed as obese in each school in Tamworth constituency in the latest period for which figures are available.

Dawn Primarolo: I have been asked to reply.
	The best available data on prevalence of child obesity in the West Midlands region is available through the "Health Survey for England" (HSE) and the "National Child Measurement Programme" (NCMP).
	The HSE 2006, published in January 2008, showed that in the West Midlands for children aged 2-15 years, 19 per cent. of boys and 18 per cent. of girls were obese.
	The NCMP weighs and measures children aged 4-5 years and 10-11 years. The report published on February 21, 2008 showed that for the East Midlands Strategic Health Authority, 9.8 per cent. of children aged 4-5 years, and 16.6 per cent. of children aged 10-11 years, were obese.
	Obesity prevalence is available by primary care trust and local authority in the NCMP report, which is available on the Department's website at:
	www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/Healthimprovement/Healthyliving/DH_083093.
	School-level results are not available from the HSE, because a sampling method is used and, due to the small numbers involved, results are not reliable below regional level.
	School-level results have not been published at a national level for the NCMP. However, the dataset has now been shared with Public Health Observatories to allow them to undertake their own analysis, including analysis at school level, according to regional and local needs.

Schools: Sports

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many  (a) females and  (b) males play competitive sport in schools in (i) Staffordshire and (ii) England.

Kevin Brennan: This data has not been collected centrally. The annual School Sport Survey collects data relating to PE and School Sport at a school, rather than pupil level.

Female Genital Mutilation

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many local authority social services departments have reported evidence of female circumcision among their ethnic minority communities; and what steps she has taken to tackle the practice of female circumcision in ethnic minority communities.

Vernon Coaker: I have been asked to reply.
	Data on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is not collected or held centrally by the Department of Health (DH), the Department responsible for adult services, or the department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), the Department responsible for children's services.
	We are taking the following steps to tackle the practice of FGM:
	DH has provided grant aid to the Foundation for Women's Health Research and Development (FORWARD) for work on the prevalence of FGM, which will help local authorities plan services for the communities affected by FGM.
	DCSF's publication 'Working Together to Safeguard Children' has been issued to local agencies including local authorities. This document includes guidance on the need to identify children at risk of FGM and take action to safeguard them.
	To raise awareness of the risks of FGM, and to discourage its practice, DCSF is currently providing a specialist voluntary organisation (Agency for Culture Change Management) with more than £130,000 over three years in order to: raise the profile of the dangers of FGM to girls across black and minority ethnic communities; and provide training for professionals on protection from FGM and treating those already harmed.
	'Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education', which came into force in January 2007, also contains guidance about FGM and signposts further sources of information available on the DCSF's teachernet website.
	FGM is recognised as a form of domestic abuse highlighted in 'Responding to domestic abuse: A handbook for health professionals', published by DH in January 2006.
	There are at least 10 specialist clinics in the NHS which treat women and girls who have been mutilated. These clinics all have trained and culturally sensitive staff who offer a range of health care services for women and girls including reversal surgery.